Governor tries last push for Props 57, 58

By Irene Thirlwall

Gov. Schwarzenegger campaigned for Propositions 57 and 58 at River Park shopping center Saturday, stressing the importance of the initiatives to an attentive crowd of about 1,000 people.

“ The state had a $22 billion debt when I took office,” Schwarzenegger said. “If we spoke to a financial adviser, he would tell us 57 and 58 is what we need to refinance our debt at a lower rate and cut up the credit cards.”

Proposition 57, the Economic Recovery Bond Act, aims to use a $15 billion bond to pay off the state’s general fund deficit.

Propostion 58, the California Balanced Budget act, requires the state legislature to pass a balanced budget, establishes a reserve fund and prohibits the use of any future deficit bonds.

The initiatives are linked in such a way that if Proposition 58 is not passed on Tuesday, Proposition 57 will not be issued either.

Proponents of the initiatives emphasized the significance of their passage, especially for the areas of education, tax relief and services.

Sherry Wood, president of California’s Teachers Association, spoke on behalf of students.

“ We will lose $15 billion…our children and their classrooms are important,” Wood said.

Councilman Jerry Duncan said if voters don’t want tax increases or cuts to the police and fire departments, Propositions 57 and 58 need to be passed.

Other speakers were City Supervisor Bob Waterston, Assemblyman Bill Jones and Lorraine Salazar, co-owner of Sal’s Mexican Restaurants.

Much of the crowd wore T-shirts with the words, “57yes58” on the front and back. Those who did not have T-shirts held signs with the same message.

Racine Green, a Schwarzenegger supporter, had a positive response to the governor’s message.

“ Honestly, it sounded promising because he’s been doing what he says,” Green said. “I don’t really like republicans but since he’s been doing what he says, yes I support him.”

Bill Nilmeier also reacted positively to Schwarzenegger’s message. “It sounds like he’s doing what he promised to do,” Nilmeier said.

The crowd responded with approval as the governor closed his speech.

“ Help me lift up this state. I cannot do it by myself…we can bring the state back,” Schwarzenegger said. “It is now a matter of hand to hand combat…tell everyone you know to vote yes on Propositions 57 and 58…I love Fresno.”